"Eh, it's ok."

West 21st has a few things to it; but, it's definitely not a place I go out of my way to get to. It's usually just a street I take to get somewhere else. There are a lot of big apartment buildings but a couple of my friends live on this street; and, while they're nice with doormen, etc, they're pretty generic.
21st and the River marks Chelsea Piers. Call me not a native New Yorker, but this place is so weird to me. There are wall climbing facilities, a kid's gymnasium, casting offices, corporate offices. . . a trapeze school . . .weird. But, people seem to enjoy it. The block between 9th and 10th has some lovely, old rowhouses. Apparently, 453 has an incredibly entry - way . . but I don't know the people whom live here so I don't actually know. There are a lot of gay-friendly establishments in these parts and a really out of the blue cemetary. The parking lot between 6th and 7th used to be the abode of the man who raced Jack Kerouac naked around the block at his parties and was memorialized in Allen Ginsberg's Howl for dying by sticking his head out of a subway window. Ginsberg married his widow which I find amusing. Shame it's a parking lot now. The corner of 6th and 21st is a restaurant called Mark't. They have pretty good mussels and a laid back vibe. When we're in Chelsea, this is the only place we can ever think of to eat at. There's not much else to this street except for a couple of bizarre shops and giant apartment buildings. I say to skip it.

"Trendy places to spend money, get tipsy"

This street is home to Duvet, the club made famous when it played Bed in Sex and the City years back. (As in, the club was called Bed in the show). I’ve only been here once, and it was strangely empty, and it was also strange to sit on a bed with my shoes on, serving myself from a bottle of vodka that seemed in danger of tipping over onto the bed at any moment. This club is definitely…different.

"Loud with a few hidden gems"

West 21st is probably not a spot were most people would want to settle down, at least it's not their first choice. The street has been under construction for as long as I can remember and the noise level at all hours is a bit more than most are willing to deal with. With that being said it does have a few fun gems hidden within the construction and noise. Porky's, between 5th and 6th, for example is a super fun spot for the young adult crowd; mostly singles. Try out one of the fishbowl drinks on the menu and the underwhelming atmosphere of 21st Street will fade away. Leave the kids at home for this one, of course.

"In The Mood"

Seemingly unassuming, wedged at the edge of Chelsea, W21st street offers very little in variation from the rest of the city. However, there are some choice locations that are a good bet for dinner or just to walk around in. At the intersection with 6th ave, there is a great Belgian restaurant called MARKT, where the specialty is that many of the menu items are actually cooked with various Belgian beers. The Restaurant itself has a tremendous selection of Mussels and seafood, and not to mention the beers on tap. Next door to this establishment is New York Burger Co, a terrific comfort food location, which even has some not so sinful items on the menu!

"I've seen better streets"

Overall this street was underwhelming and I really didn't see much in the way of things to do. I also wasn't impressed with the housing options or the noise. I could never live here.

West 21th Street is close to the following metro stations: A, C, E, L at 34th Street, Penn Station, 1,2,3 at 28th Street, an the B,D,F,N, J, R, N, W at 34th Street & Herald Square. It is also accessible to many buses. Foot traffic is light, and it is a good neighborhood for any one with ear plugs!

"21st St. Between 5th & 6th"

Constant construction in this area is rather annoying. It also isn't the cleanest. During the summer, the street smells along with the dumpsters. However, it is very close to all the amenities of Fifth Ave. and Union Square. Markt is a Belgian restaurant with the best mussels. The Burger Co. on 6th Ave. is quite the gourmet burger with all of the different sauces they provide. It is also very close to the Flatiron Building and Madison Square Park. There is a Chase bank on the corner of 5th and 21st. A new Starbucks is right on 21st as well. If you are into the club scene, Duvet is very close by.